Family Violence Prevention Center of Greene County Receives Part of $3 Million Nationwide Grant From The Mary Kay Foundation

Domestic violence shelters receive much needed cash infusion in light of the economic downturn.

Family Violence Prevention Center (FVPC) has been chosen to receive a $20,000 grant from The Mary Kay Foundation as part of the organization’s annual $3 million national domestic violence grant program. FVPC is one of 150 domestic violence organizations participating in the program. The grant will be used for general shelter operating funds which will help to continue the 30 year tradition of providing much needed domestic violence services and programs to residents in Greene County.
“This grant is such a blessing to FVPC in a variety of ways,” said Donna Sizemore, Executive Director. “Not only does it make up for a deficit in funding this year but gives us hope and strength to continue what we do. Domestic violence is not going away and deserves very serious attention. Programs to help battered women and their children require a lot of resources. That’s why we are so thankful The Mary Kay Foundation is helping us help families in Greene County.”
The economic climate has not only caused a decrease in donations but can also be attributed to an increase in the need for domestic violence services. In May 2009, Mary Kay’s Truth About Abuse survey of domestic violence shelters across the country revealed some alarming results: three out of four domestic violence shelters report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse since September 2008, a major turning point in the U.S. economy. The survey data directly connects the downturn in the economy to an increase in domestic violence.
“In light of the economic downturn and alarming increases in domestic violence, The Mary Kay Foundation’s mission is more critical than ever before. FVPC has helped so many women and their families in Greene County. We know they will use these funds to benefit even more domestic violence survivors and their children and help end domestic violence,” said Jennifer Cook, The Mary Kay Foundation board member.

About FVPC
Family Violence Prevention Center of Greene County has a comprehensive range of services to help protect victims and provide the support services necessary to rebuild their lives through our four prong approach of Prevention, Safe Housing, Intervention and Outreach. Broadly, those services include a 24-Hour Crisis Hotline, safe housing, children and youth services, community advocacy, counseling, education and training. The mission of the Family Violence Prevention Center of Greene County is: “We light the path to living violence free by responding, supporting, and providing safe housing to victims of family violence; by informing Greene County citizens of the impact of family violence; and by revealing ways to prevent and overcome its consequences.”
Our Agency Core Values are: Respect, Integrity and Compassion and our Client-Centered Core Values are: Independence, Courage and Strength. Each day the staff at FVPC is dedicated to its vision of Violence Free Futures.
FVPC is enhancing the quality of life within the surrounding area and with the generous contributions from individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations, government agencies, and local organizations have made it possible for the Center to earn the gratitude and respect of the citizens it serves. We humbly thank you for your contributions, and we encourage your continued support. If you would like to support FVPC with a monetary or in-kind donation please log on to www.violencefreefutures.org and click “DONATE NOW.” FVPC is a United Way Partner Agency, a contract agency with the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Greene County and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation.
For more information about this release, please contact Nicholas Hubbard, Community Relations Specialist; Family Violence Prevention Center of Greene County at 937.426.6535 ext. 14 or nicholas.hubbard@violencefreefutures.org.

About The Mary Kay Foundation
The Mary Kay Foundation was created in 1996, and its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue. Since the Foundation’s inception, it has awarded nearly $22 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and $13 million to cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States. To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation, log on to www.marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).